Clip



Sept. "28, 1937.

w. L. POST CLIP Filed May 6, 1935 INVENTOR WILLIAM L. POS T WM W ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 28, 1937 UNITED ATE? OFFICE '7 Claims.

This invention relates generally to clips, and refers more particularly to article holding clips of the type having gripping jaws normally arranged under tension when in engagement with 5 each other.

One of the principal objects of this invention is to improve generally clips of the type set forth by appreciably reducing the cost of manufacture thereof, and by providing a relatively simple compact construction capable of being easily operated, notwithstanding the relatively high tension provided for insuring effective gripping action of the jaws. In accordance with this invention, the cost of manufacture is appreciably reduced by providing a clip composed of two interchangeable relatively simple spring metal stampings permanently secured together intermediate the ends and having cooperating gripping jaws at one side of the point of attachment normally held into en- 'gagement under tension.

Another advantageous feature of this invention resides in the novel means provided herein for readily separating the jaw portions of the clip the extent necessary to provide for the insertionof the article to be gripped therebetween. In general, the novel means referred to above, comprises a lug associated with each section of the clip and having finger engaging portions spaced laterally inwardly of the clip from their respective sections and exposed through openings in the sections for engagement by the operators fingers. In the present instance, the finger engaging portions of the lugs are positioned substantially flush with the outer surfaces of the sections, or in other words, are disposed in the planes of the sections. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in cases where the clip is employed in the art of photofinishing, since it minimizes scratching or marring the films during handling.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a clip of the character previously set forth having a finger engaging portion struck out from each section of the clip during the stamping operation, in such a manner that when the sections are assembled to form the clip, the finger engaging portion of one section extends into the opening formed in the other section by striking the finger engaging portion therefrom, and the latter finger engaging portion assumes a position in the opening formed in the first named section by striking the finger engaging portion from the latter.

Still another advantageous feature of this invention resides in the provision of a clip of the character set forth in the preceding paragraph, wherein the finger engaging portions for actuating the jaws perform the additional function to be gripped between the jaws.

Another important feature of the present invention consists in the provision of means on the cooperating jaws operable to effectively hold the article between the jaws but, at the same time to maintain the article in spaced relation to the adjacent surfaces of the jaws.

A further object of the present invention consists in the provision of cooperating pairs of teeth extending inwardly from the opposed jaws in parallel vertical planes substantially perpendicular to the planes of the jaws, and so arranged with respect to each other that the teeth of each pair overlap each other in the closed position of the jaws. In the present instance, the opposite edges of the teeth are tapered toward each other from the connection of the teeth with the jaws, so that in the closed position of the jaws, the edges of the teeth of each pair extend diagonally with respect to each other, and this arrangement insures holding the article out of contacting relation with the adjacent faces of the jaws. The location of the teeth in vertical parallel planes perpendicular to the planes of the sections and supporting the article in spaced relation to the adjacent faces of the jaws provides for obtaining excellent drainage, or in other words, materially increases the life of the clip by preventing the accumulation of solutions on the latter. 7

In addition to the foregoing, the present invention contemplates a clip having a weight supporting portion at the end thereof opposite the jaws adapted to substantially enclose the weight and having the additional function of suspending the clip from a suitable support when the weight is omitted. The feature of enclosing the weight is also of prime importance in photo-finishing, since a lead weight is usually employed, and unless this weight is. substantially enclosed, the corrosion resulting from continuous use may become deposited upon the films during handling, and also upon the hands of the operator.

The foregoing, as well as other objects, will be made more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a hanger having a film secured thereto by clips constructed in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2, only taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable stampings employed to form the clip; and

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Figure 1.

Referring now more in detail .to the drawing, it will be noted that there is illustrated in Figure 1, a film hanger assembly comprising a plate l apertured as at H for slidably receiving a suitable support l2 and having a clip [3 removably secured to the lower end thereof, in a manner to be more fully hereinafter set forth. In the present instance, the clip i3 is employed to grip the upper edge of a film I4 for securing the same to the plate H] of the hanger assembly, and curling of the lower end of the film is prevented by a second clip i5 removably secured to the lower edge of the film M. In accordance with this invention, both of the aforesaid clips are formed of relatively light gage spring metal, and While this is desirable from the standpoint of economy in manufacture, nevertheless, it is oftentimes necessary to increase the weight of the bottom clip, and this is accomplished in the present instance by removably securing a weight it to the lower end of the bottom clip. With the exception of the weight It, both the top and bottom clips are identical in construction and may be readily interchanged. In other words, only one type of clip need be stocked, since the weight l6 may be secured with equal facility to either of the clips l3 or l5.

Inasmuch as both clips are identical in construction, only one will be described in detail herein, and for this purpose I have selected the top clip is. As shown in Figure 2, the clip I3 comprises two interchangeable sheet metal stampings El and i8 welded or otherwise permanently secured together intermediate the ends thereof to provide an integral construction. In view of the fact that the stampings are interchangeable, only one of the stampings is shown in detail in Figure l, and this stamping is preferably formed of relatively light gage spring metal. By reference to Figure 4, it will be noted that the stamping comprises a fiat portion 19 intermediate the ends and a jaw portion 2% bent outwardly from the fiat portion 19 and disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the fiat portion. The free end of the jaw portion is fashioned to provide an inwardly extending bead 2i and the latter is pierced at points spaced longitudinally thereof to provide two substantially v-shaped inwardly extending teeth 22. In addition, the planar portion of the jaw is pierced and formed to provide an integral inwardly extending lug 23 having a finger engaging portion 2 disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the jaw. Attention is called to the fact at this time that the V-shaped teeth 22 struck out from the bead 2! at the free end of the jaw 20 are disposed in parallel vertical planes perpendicular to the plane of the jaw 28. Likewise, the portions 25 of the lugs 23 connecting the finger engaging portions with the jaw 26 extend in the direction of length of the jaw, and the purpose of this construction, as well as the arrangement set forth in the preceding sentence, will be made more apparent as this description proceeds.

The portion of the metal of the stamping at the opposite side of the fiat portion 59 is also bent outwardly to form a semi-circular recess 26 of predetermined radius. The recess 26 extends transversely of the stamping, or in other words, is disposed parallel to the free end of the jaw and the free edge 2'5 of the recess lies in the plane of the fiat portion l9.

As previously stated, the clip i3 is formed of two stampings identical in construction to the one described above, and this is accomplished by positioning the two stampings opposite each other with the flat portions H] in contacting relation. The fiat portions are then welded or otherwise permanently secured together and a clip of the type shown in Figure 2 is the result.

It will, of course, be understood that one of the stampings must be inverted to position the same in opposed relation to the other and, consequent- -ly, the teeth 22 on the jaw of one stamping will not only extend toward the cooperating teeth on the jaw of the other stamping, but in addition,

vwill have a shearing action with the latter teeth.

In other words, the cooperating teeth on the opposed jaws overlap in the closed position of the jaws and will pierce the film inserted therebetween with a shearing action. Moreover, due to the fact that the teeth are substantially V- shaped, the opposite edges of the teeth on one jaw extend diagonaily with respect to the corresponding edges of the cooperating teeth on the other jaw, and this is desirable since it not only serves to position the film midway between the jaws during the piercing operation, but also functions to actually hold the film in spaced relation to the jaws subsequent to the piercing operation, as shown in Figure 2. This arrangement together with the fact that the teeth 22 are arranged in parallel vertical planes materially improves the drainage qualities of the clip, or in other words, minimizes any tendency for solutions to become trapped on the clip.

In striking out the lugs from the stampings, the width of the portions 25 is accurately predetermined to equal the distance between the jaws 29, so that when the stampings are assembled, the finger engaging piece 25 of the stamping ll, for example, assumes a position in the opening 30 formed in the stamping [8 by striking out the. lug 23 therefrom, and the finger engaging pieceof the latter lug assumes a position in the opening 3! formed by striking out the lug 23 from the stamping H. In other words, the finger engaging piece 2 of the stamping ll assumes a position in the plane of the jaw portion of the stamping l8, and the finger engaging piece of the latter stamping assumes a position in the plane of the jaw portion of the stamping ll. Thus it will be observed that the finger engaging pieces do not project beyond the sides of the clip, and accordingly, any tendency of the same to scratch or mar the films during handling is eliminated. It should also be apparent that the location of the lugs with respect to the extremities of the jaws is predetermined so that the ends of the lugs adjacent the free ends of the jaws form a stop to limit the extent of insertion of the films between the jaws. In addition, attention is called to the fact that inverting one of the stampings to position the same in opposed relation to the other, also provides for locating the finger engaging pieces directly opposite one another, so that opening of the jaws may be readily effected by the application of opposed pressures upon the finger engaging portions.

It will, of course, be apparent that after the two stampings are permanently secured together in opposed relationship, the semi-circular portions 26 cooperate to form a tubular retainer 28 of sufiicient dimension to interchangeably receive the weight it and a portion of the plate in. In this connection, it will be noted that the plate is slotted as at 35, and the metal forming the lower side of the slot 35 is sheared as at 37 to permit the portions of the bar to be disaligned sufiiciently to afford the clearance required to slip the tubular end portion of the clip over the bar.

Attention is also called to the fact that the tubular portion protects the weight against contact with the films and the hands of the operator. This feature is of particular importance when a lead weight is employed, since the latter metal has a tendency to corrode and this corrosion oftentimes seriously mars the films.

Thus from the foregoing, it will be observed that I have provided a relatively simple clip composed entirely of two interchangeable stampings and consequently capable of being inexpensively manufactured. It will also be apparent that a clip constructed in accordance with this invention possesses excellent draining qualities, or in other words, prevents any tendency for solutions to become trapped on the clip. In this connection, attention be called to the fact that the edges of the contacting fiat portions is facing the extremities of the jaws may be arcuate in configuration, as indicated by the reference character 20, so as to effectively drain any solution accumulated between the jaws.

It will further be apparent from the foregoing description that the cooperating jaws of my improved clip may be readily separated, notwithstanding the relatively great tension afi'orded by the spring metal to maintain the-jaws in their operative positions. In addition, it will be noted that my improved clip construction is relatively narrow, as compared to clips of the type previously employed and, furthermore, scratching of the films during handling is minimized by eliminating protruding parts.

Although in describing the present invention particular stress has been placed upon the association of my improved clip construction with the art of photo-finishing, it is to be understood that the principles involved may be used with equal facility in forming clips for other purposes, and reservation is made to make such changes in the details of construction as may come within the purview of the accompanying claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A clip comprising opposed portions at one end thereof cooperating to form gripping jaws and each of said portions having registering openings therethrough, means for separating the jaws including a lug extending laterally from one of said portions and having a finger engaging portion disposed in the opening in the other portion substantially flush with the outer surface of the latter portion, and a second lug extending laterally from the second named portion through the opening in the first mentioned portion and also having a finger engaging portion disposed in the opening in the latter portion flush with the exterior surface of the same.

2. A clip comprising opposed spring metal portions having cooperating gripping jaws at one end normally urged together by the inherent resiliency of said portions and each of the portions having an opening therethrough, means for sep arating the jaws including a lug struck out from one of the portions toward the other and having a finger engaging portion disposed in the opening of the second section fiush with the exterior surface of the latter, and a second lug struck out from the second named portion toward the first named portion and also having a finger engaging portion disposed in the opening through the first named portion flush with the exterior surface of the latter portion.

3. A clip comprising opposed interchangeable spring metal stampings having cooperating gripping jaws at one end and each of the stampings having an opening therethrough, means for separating the jaws including 2. lug struck out from one of the stampings toward the other and having a finger engaging portion exposed through the opening in the latter stamping, and a second lug struck out from the second mentioned stamping toward the first named stamping and also having a finger engaging portion exposed through the opening in the first named stamping.

4. A clip comprising opposed spring metal portions having cooperating gripping jaws urged together by the inherent resiliency of the portions, means for separating the jaws including a lug struck out from each of the portions and having a finger engaging portion, the lug on one of said portions extending toward the other portion with the finger engaging portion disposed. in the plane of the opening formed by striking out the lug from the second named portion and the lug on the second named portion extending toward the first named. portion with the finger engaging portion thereof disposed in the plane of the opening formed by striking out the lug from the first named portion,

5. A clip comprising opposed spring metal sections having cooperating gripping jaws at one end urged toward each other by the inherent resiliency of the sections, means for separating the jaws including a lug struck out from each of the sections and having a finger engaging portion, the lug on one section extending toward the other section with the finger engaging portion disposed in the plane of the opening in the second section formed by striking out the lug from the latter and the lug on the second mentioned sectionextending toward the first named section with the finger engaging portion thereof disposed in the plane of the opening of the first mentioned portion formed by striking out the lug from the latter, both of the finger engaging portions and the portions connecting the latter to the sections being disposed in angularly arranged vertical planes for the purpose set forth.

6. A clip comprising opposed interchangeable spring metal stampings having cooperating gripping jaws urged together by the inherent resiliency of the stampings, means for separating the jaws including alug struck out from each of the stampings and having finger engaging portions, the lug on one stamping extending toward the other with the finger engaging portion thereof exposed through the opening in the latter section formed by striking the lug therefrom and the lug on the second named stamping extending toward the first mentioned stamping with the finger engaging portion thereof exposed through the opening formed in the first named stamping by striking out the lug from the latter.

'7. A clip comprising opposed interchangeable spring metal stampings having cooperative gripping jaws at one end urged toward each other by the inherent resiliency of the sections and means upon said jaws for holding thestrip out of contacting relation with the opposed. surfaces of the jaws, said means comprising cooperating teeth struck out laterally and extending toward each other from the jaws in laterally spaced parallel vertical planes and predeterminedly arranged with respect to each other to have a shearing action upon a strip therebetween.

' WILLIAM L. POST. 

